Pelemo Nyajo

A headshot of Pelemo with an Afro and a black blouse with a pink flower-necklace. The photo has a sepia/vintage feel to it.

Pelemo Nyajo, She/her/hers

Founder, Movement Beyond Walls, Nigeria

Pelemo Nyajo is a poet, development professional, and disability inclusion advocate who uses art, play, storytelling, and community-building to challenge social exclusion. She believes that disability inclusion can transform society by bringing people closer to their shared humanity. Her work focuses on the often-overlooked social dimensions of inclusion, creating opportunities for people with and without disabilities to connect, learn, and build relationships through creative experiences. Through focused workshops, Pelemo has reached more than 100 people in person, while her poetry and digital advocacy have reached thousands of disabled people and allies around the world. She has centered disability inclusion through her work as a global influencer and through leadership and advisory roles connected to organizations including Plan International, UNICEF, and the Dutch Embassy. Her advocacy helps educate disabled and nondisabled people about the social model of disability while building meaningful relationships with allies. Pelemo’s work has been recognized through the Youth Spotlight Award from NGYouthSDGs and Oxfam, the EU Youth Empowerment Fund, UNAOC Plural+, and the British Council Unlimited Micro Award. Through poetry, development work, and creative connection, she is helping shift perceptions and create more inclusive communities.